How much exercise is needed?

[dpgllg]

Hello,

We have three cocker spaniels. One 12 years old, one 2 and one 1. The old man of the group is not interested in to much exercise but the two young ones particularly the one year old are always raring to go.

I am disabled and can't really walk up hills or great distances. I purchased a "Chuck-it" ball thrower and throw the ball about a 1/2 hour or so twice a day sometimes more. They are addicted to it and would just keep going until they dropped. I throw it so the ball goes fast and low like chasing a rabbit and they both run full out trying to be the one that gets it. The ball probably goes 30 yards or so on each toss.

Is this an acceptable replacement for walking them? Am I doing it often enough?

I want them to get enough exercise even though I can't walk them.

Thanks!

Dave

[harley-dave]

Good morning, we have a 14 year old Cocker that went through the same type stuff. To get her to walk we had to practically drag her. Went to the Vet and she did 2 things: Put her on thyroid pills (low thyroid) which gave her way more energy, and vetprofen pills (for pain and inflammation) because she has arthritis. She acts like a puppy dog again. Still tires out of course but much more willing to chase anything. The vet also recommended Cosequin for joint health.

Dave

[dpgllg]

Marine By Choice wrote:
Dave, you are doing it right! Chuck-It's are great. Saves the arm & eliminates a lot of slobber!

The big thing for me is I have the long handle version so I don't have to bend to get the ball. Yes the youngest slobbers quite a bit too!

On some of the throws I toss the ball along the ground into a patch of brush. They love this as well as they get to actually search for the ball. I do keep them treated with flea and tick medicine to prevent any issues while they romp. Having two of them chase it makes it more fun because there is a tough competition between them as to who gets the ball.

Even though I may not be walking I'm still getting out and moving which is important as well. I think I enjoy it as much as they do!

Dave

[dturm]

dpgllg wrote:
Is this an acceptable replacement for walking them? Am I doing it often enough?

Absolutely!! Let your dogs be your guide as to how long. I think 30 minutes is plenty.

Our Kaiya would also go on forever chasing a chuck-it ball. I usually throw it farther than you do, but she's a golden and bigger. She can outrun my arm, both in strength and endurance, so the chuck-it is a blessing. She holds the ball or stops an sniffs the ground when she's starting to get tired, usually 5-6 tosses as far as I can throw it.

[Marine_By_Choic]

Dave, you are doing it right! Chuck-It's are great. Saves the arm & eliminates a lot of slobber!

[Little_Kopit]

When I'm on the road and have a hard time finding a place to walk, yet can find some water deeper than the length of my dogs legs, I throw a stick for them to retrieve into that water. Swimming uses up more energy than ordinary running. In 15 minutes I can get them so well exercised so that they will veg out in the middle of a crowded cg.

😉

[chrisnpat]

:)Well as a former owner of Cocker Spaniels for the last 20 years, I would say that is a perfect way for you to exercise them.

[tjfogelberg]

Not only are they getting excercise, but this play time with Daddy is good for their souls!